Senate unanimously approves Sen. Brenner bill to improve grant process for farmers

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, the Maine Senate gave initial approval to a bill from Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, to streamline the grant funding process, especially the allocation of emergency funds, for Maine farmers.

LD 782, “An Act to Support Statewide Economic Opportunities Through Strategic Investments of Property and Funds, Including Emergency Relief Funds,” would transfer the grant disbursement authority from the Department of Administrative and Financial Services to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

“The grant and funding opportunities that the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry offer are crucial to help Maine farmers face the immense costs necessary to keep their farms viable,” said Sen. Brenner. “Changing the jurisdiction of the appeals process would improve the grant funding process, which in turn would support the growth and sustainability of farms, expand production capacity and strengthen critical infrastructure.”

Currently, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry offers several grant programs, which are administered by the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, to assist Maine farmers. These programs include the Agricultural Development Grant Program and the Maine Farms for the Future Program. Both programs aim to promote research and development in the agricultural industry by investing in Maine farms and farmers. These investments work to increase the vitality of the industry in the long term. This legislation to support strategic investments in agriculture would provide more opportunities for farmers to access these grants. 

LD 782 now faces additional votes in the Senate and House.

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